Lake Region—The Fall Youth Weekend at Fairhaven Church, Oct. 16–18, 2008, saw many young people commit their lives to Christ. The weekend's theme was, "Less of Me, Lord, More of Thee."

The weekend's meetings began Thursday night with a message from Fairhaven's pastor, Charles Osborne III, who spoke on the subject, "What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?" Osborne pointed out that goals don't always turn out to be what one thought, once achieved. However, in setting sights on God, it's always better than one could imagine.

Eric Thomas, pastor from the Bethel Church in Lansing, Mich., delivered a message Friday night about not letting one's immediate surroundings determine success.

On Sabbath morning, Leon George, pastor of the Ephesus Church in Saginaw, Mich., brought the message, "No Lions, No Bears, No Snakes." His message reminded young people they need not be afraid of their enemies nor opposing circumstances. He said, "Jesus, the Lion of Judah, has conquered all, and He will give us strength to conquer anything in our path."

Jacurria Carter, a member of the church's youth group, had claimed her whole immediate family for Christ. In the past few years, one by one, they began joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She shared how a cousin, Maulena Gray, came to the Lord: "My cousin came to live with our family. My cousin and my sister began looking up to me. So, I said, 'I have to set a good example.'" Carter brought her cousin and sister to church functions, and that sparked spiritual questions in their minds. Carter shared answers with them through Bible studies. Family prayers by Carter's parents were also a positive influence in the girls' lives. Carter's sister, Alexious Carter, and her cousin made their decisions for Christ and were baptized during the Fall Youth Weekend.

Cassie Lambert, Adventist Youth leader, said, "God just blessed the weekend. The Holy Spirit was there."

After Sabbath services, 15 young people were baptized after the Sabbath service. Some of the young people were baptized for the first time and others re-committed their lives to Christ.

Trevor Schluter, communication leader, Fairhaven Church